Dr. King, Education and More

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.”  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Happy New Year.  The holiday season, which was only a couple of weeks ago, seems a distant memory.  I am writing this on Monday, January 16, 2012, the day we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. 

Earlier today, I was privileged to attend the 27^th Annual King Day Celebration sponsored by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  The celebration at Hylton Memorial Chapel was attended by many officials in the area, including our School Superintendent, Dr. Gail Pope.  In preparation for the day, students from area elementary schools competed in a writing contest and students in area middle schools and high schools compete in an oratorical contest.  The theme of the contests was “Education.”

I would like to congratulate Sophia Hernandez of Jennie Dean Elementary School who was the first place winner in the writing contest.  I would also like to congratulate Jeremiah Drake and Cecilia Armoh of Metz Middle school for their participation in the middle school oratorical contest (Jeremiah represented Metz in the contest), and Nathan A. Fritzen of Osbourn, who represented OHS in the high school oratorical contest. 

The oratorical contest judges choose six students— three in middle school and three in high school—to speak at today’s celebration.  Those six speeches about Dr. King were the highlight of today’s of event.  I was struck by the students' poise, knowledge, hope, and appreciation for the legacy of Dr. King.   

I was especially impressed by the dynamic performance of Ms. Ebonee Johnson of Manassas Park High School. Ms. Johnson, and all of the students who participated exhibited intelligence and character, and should be lauded for their efforts.

Speaking of students and great efforts, I segue to the hardwood and congratulate OHS’ boys basketball team.  The boys team remains undefeated after defeating Stonewall in a spirited game on Friday night in an electric atmosphere.  Their lockdown defense in the firs half set the tone for the game, and their poise will serve them well as their season progresses. 

The OHS girls team lost to Stonewall on Friday, but they put forth a good effort.  On a lower level, congratulations also to the Metz eighth grade girls team who finished their second consecutive undefeated season with a win over Lake Ridge in a tight contest, and the seventh grade team who finished the season with just two losses. 

And a shoutout to “21” who I spied taking time from her hectic schedule to cheer on the eighth grade girls team at Metz. 

The future of OHS girls basketball is bright.  I also want to encourage you to come out and support the OHS ice hockey team, wrestling team, gymnastics team, indoor track teams and swimming teams.  These sports don’t get as much attention as they deserve, but the athletes and coaches are working hard and could use your encouragement.

Now, on to School Board News.  At our first meeting of the year on Tuesday, January 10, 2012, the Board announced that it unanimously voted to purchase property on 9500 Technology Drive.  The Board proposes that the property be purchased with funds available in the School Board fund balance. 

The purchase provides space for our central office staff and maintenance staff at a far lower cost than previously planned for.  And more importantly, I believe, as has been articulated publicly, the purchase gives the board flexibility to address the need for a new facility for Baldwin Elementary. 

The Board also announced the release of a Staff School Climate Questionnaire for MCPS teachers, to help the Board obtain insight about our teachers’ perceptions of our schools.  There were also many heartfelt comments at the meeting about the recent passing of Mr. Vic Egidi, a former principal of OHS who worked for many years in MCPS.  I did not know Mr. Egidi, but I have only heard great things about him.   He will be missed.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the incredible All City Chorus Concert at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on January 11, 2012.  MCPS students from elementary schools all the way up to OHS performed admirably as they entertained an excited audience of family and friends.  The night was a rousing success.

Dr. Pope and Mayor Parrish addressed the audience and Ms. Christine Spratley was the MC.  There were many people who contributed to the evening, especially MCPS staff.  I don’t want to sleight anyone by omitting their name, so I will take the easy way out and just paste below a portion of a note from Dr. Pope to MCPS staff about those who contributed to the performance:

“Our choral educators deserve many kudos for their leadership in this endeavor. Mr. Chris Short, Ms. Laura Boyles, Mrs. Anastacia Rubach, Mrs. Catherine Drummond, Ms. Patricia DiGiovine, Mrs. Margaret Everett, Ms. Wendy Pierce, and Mr. Matthew Harrison, take a bow!  Many thanks to the hard work of Dr. Barbara McGonagill and the members of the Fine Arts Committee.  Special thanks to our Maintenance, Transportation, and Food Service Departments; to Mike Emanuel and the OHS Graphics 2 and 3 classes; to our principals and assistant principals; and to Mrs. Sandy Thompson and Ms. Heidi Kaska for ensuring the health and safety of our students.”

Finally, I will conclude with a story about Dr. King.  I spoke with some MCPS elementary students recently and asked them why we celebrate Dr. King.  One student stated: “We celebrate him because he fought to make black people equal.” 

I told him that his answer was correct, but that Dr. King did not just fight for black people, Dr. King fought for equality for all people. 

We are the greatest country in the world and we have come a very long way.  Check out the movie “Red Tails” this weekend, a movie about the Tuskegee Airmen, which will show you where we were in World War ll.  But, if you look at our economy, our school systems (nationally and locally) and our political discourse, we still have some work to do.  I leave you with two quotes from Dr. King.  Have a great week.

“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”